A Real Madrid fan who allegedly performed a Nazi salute before the club’s Champions League match against Benfica is under investigation.
During the pre-match displays at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday – which included the draping of a huge ‘No To Racism’ banner – a supporter appeared to make the gesture from the stands.
The fan was quickly identified by security officials and removed from his seat inside the 83,000-seater stadium.
The club announced an immediate disciplinary investigation has been opened, and said it ‘condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society’.
Their statement reads: ‘Real Madrid C.F. announces that it has urgently requested the club’s Disciplinary Committee to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure for the member who was caught on television cameras performing the Nazi salute in the area where the Animation Stand is located, moments before the start of the match between Real Madrid and Benfica.
‘This member was identified by the club’s security staff moments after appearing on the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
A Real Madrid fan is under investigation after he appeared to perform a Nazi salute
A No To Racism banner was displayed pre-match after allegations Vinicius Junior was abused
‘Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society.’
The Athletic report that a Nazi salute itself is not a criminal offence in Spain, though if it is accompanied by other hate crime acts, can be punishable by law.
Madrid won the second-leg of the tie 2-1 to secure a blockbuster last 16 tie against Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.
The first leg in Portugal had been overshadowed by allegations that Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni called Vinicius Junior a ‘monkey’, which the Argentine denies.
Madrid’s Brazilian winger scored the second goal of the game on Wednesday to seal his side’s qualification into the next round of the competition they have won 15 times.
Speaking about the ugly scenes that unfolded in the Estadio de Luz last week, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was outspoken about unseemly behaviour in the stands.
‘There are the other things that happened in the stands that warrant stopping the match and ejecting those people,’ the Belgian said.
‘We don’t see what’s going on in the stands; some people might see it, but it happens when we’re focused on the game. There have to be other people in charge who take action.’
